A lawn service is a great source of extra income.Your service is valuable because many homeowners don't have the time or energy to do lawn maintenance.It takes some time and planning to start a business.
Step 1: You can learn the skills.
Even if you just want to mow and trim lawns, taking some horticulture classes can help you stand out from the competition.A degree in landscape architecture is helpful if you want to get into landscaping.Business classes can help you deal with the business side of things.
Step 2: Prepare for the physical activity.
You will need to be prepared for the job ahead of time.At a minimum, you should be doing 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week, such as running, cycling, or swimming, and strength training twice a week.To truly be prepared, you need to go beyond the basics of physical fitness.
Step 3: A business plan should be written.
A business plan is an outline of how your company will operate.It should include an executive summary of your business, a company description and a market analysis.The organization and management, a description of your services, and a plan for marketing are included.
Step 4: Take care of your home space.
An office area is needed for doing business.You will need a place to keep your tools and equipment.You may need to rent a storage unit if you don't have enough space at home.
Step 5: Purchase the right equipment.
You can figure out what equipment you need once you know what your business is going to be.You can get a small business loan if you can't finance it yourself.Business credit cards can be used to fund what you need.
Step 6: You should name your business.
You can pick a good one, but make sure it's professional.You don't want customers to be turned away because of something that's offensive.You can get ideas from your friends and family.If you're having trouble making a decision, you can fill out the legal paperwork with a holding place name.If you fill out a "doing business under" form, you can change the name of your business.
Step 7: Find your audience.
Those who don't have the time to do their lawn or physically cannot do it will be your main customers.If your work is professional, you may be able to do landscaping for businesses.Some customers want to use your skills temporarily before they sell their house.
Step 8: You should hire a lawyer.
You can do all the legal work yourself, but hiring a lawyer makes sure you are in line with the law.A business lawyer can help with your business.
Step 9: Pick a structure for a business.
Your business structure is used to file your business.You have several options, including a limited liability company.You pay a fee to file these documents with your state.You are held responsible for any debts the company incurs from your personal property if you are a sole proprietor.Less paperwork is the benefit.Sometimes partnerships work like a limited liability company and other times they work the same way.A limited liability company separates you from your company's debts.If you are following the law, the assets that you own personally can't be seized to pay the company's debts.
Step 10: You should get your employer identification number.
It's not an absolute necessity with a sole proprietor, but you need this number for tax purposes with the federal government.It's good to have because you can use it for tax purposes.Visit the IRS website to apply for this number.The application is easy to use, and you'll get a number quickly.
Step 11: You should get the proper licenses or permits.
Certain licenses or permits may be required by your city or state.You should check state and local laws to figure out what you need to do.The city clerk office has more information.
Step 12: It's important that you can run your business out of your home.
Most of the time, you will be able to run a lawn business out of your home since you won't have customers there.Check to see if your city has any special laws.You have to decide where to target your business.You won't have as much of a commute if you stay in your neighborhood.Since they will be more likely to want your services, you may consider neighborhoods that have a high number of retirees.
Step 13: Put your finances together.
You need to open a bank account for your business.You can separate out expenditures and profits.You need to create a document where you can keep track of your expenses and profits.You can start by doing it in a spreadsheet.
Step 14: You should pay your federal taxes.
You must pay your taxes quarterly if you expect to pay more than $1,000 in taxes.You have to do it for yourself, like an employer does.Payments can be made through the government's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.Don't be afraid to get an accountant to help you with your taxes.
Step 15: Don't forget state taxes.
You'll need to register with your state in some cases.You have to pay company income tax and sales tax.Depending on your state, you may need to pay more than once a year.
Step 16: It's time to brand your business.
Your company needs a logo to stand out.It should be simple and interesting to catch the customer's attention.It is possible to hire someone to do this work so that it is more professional.You can use your logo on business cards.Magnetized signs can be used on vehicles for your company.
Step 17: Sell your product.
There are several ways to put your name out there.Social media can be used.Newspaper, radio, and local television ads are some of the more traditional media you can use.Your message needs to be clear and direct.It doesn't cost anything to use social media.You need to be very present to your customers in order to make yourself available and post consistently.Social media can be used to engage with other people in your circle.You can use social media to post related content to your business.You could post tips about keeping your lawn green, which will benefit your customers, without putting you out of business.Don't forget to pay attention to the topics of the day.These words get people to visit your sites.Think about what people are looking for.
Step 18: Consider flyers.
flyers make sense for a lawn business.You should put flyers in people's doors in the neighborhoods you want to work in.To make sure that's allowed, be sure to check your local laws.If you want to drum up business, you can go door to door.
Step 19: A website can be created.
You are represented on a website by the customers.Pricing, contact information, and availability of your service are all provided by it.You can hire a professional to make a website, or you can make it yourself.It's important to keep your content up-to-date.
Step 20: Consider off season work.
The lawn business is seasonal in most places.You need to make ends meet in the winter.During the winter, some people in this business pick up other work, such as shoveling snow and salting walkways.